TP Marine and UNIT2.AI Join Forces to Develop a New Generation of Intelligent Professional RHIBs

The Netherlands · 15 October 2026

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Dutch professional boatbuilder TP Marine (www.tpmarine.nl) and AI technology company UNIT2.AI (www.unit2.ai) are collaborating on the development of a new generation of intelligent Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), introducing an integrated digital vessel identity, operational digital twin and AI-powered assistance platform for professional maritime operators.

The initiative aims to fundamentally change how professional vessels are built, operated, maintained and managed throughout their service lives.

Rather than treating a RHIB as a conventional vessel equipped with independent navigation, propulsion and communication systems, the companies envision a connected platform capable of understanding its own technical condition, maintaining a permanent operational history and providing relevant information directly to its crew.

The technology is being developed with professional applications in mind, including law enforcement, coastguard operations, search and rescue, defence and offshore services.

From a Conventional RHIB to an Intelligent Vessel

At the centre of the collaboration is UNIT2 HELM, a proposed AI-powered vessel intelligence platform designed to connect onboard equipment, technical documentation, maintenance information and operational data into a single integrated environment.

Every participating RHIB will be designed to receive a permanent digital vessel passport from the beginning of construction.

This passport records the vessel's identity, structural configuration, propulsion systems, installed equipment, certificates, technical documentation and maintenance history. As components are replaced or upgraded, the digital record evolves alongside the physical vessel.

By connecting the passport to live onboard sensor data, the system can create an operational digital twin, providing insight into the vessel's condition, performance and maintenance requirements.

The objective is to give vessel operators and fleet managers access to reliable technical information throughout the vessel's entire operational lifetime.

A Vessel That Can Communicate With Its Crew

One of the most distinctive features under development is a conversational AI assistant designed specifically for professional maritime operations.

Through a voice interface, a skipper could ask questions such as:

• "Is the vessel technically ready for the next mission?"
• "How much operational range do we have remaining?"
• "Why is the starboard engine consuming more fuel than usual?"
• "Are the expected weather conditions within our operating limits?"
• "Which maintenance items require attention before departure?"

By combining live vessel data with verified technical documentation and predefined operational rules, UNIT2 HELM is intended to deliver relevant, understandable information without requiring the crew to navigate multiple displays or technical manuals.

The system is being designed to support professional decision-making, not replace the skipper's authority or responsibility.

Intelligent Maintenance and Hull Monitoring

The collaboration also explores a new approach to vessel maintenance.

Professional RHIBs frequently operate at high speeds and in demanding sea conditions. Traditional maintenance schedules generally rely on calendar intervals and engine operating hours, which do not always reflect the actual stresses experienced by the vessel.

By integrating motion sensors, propulsion diagnostics and hull-impact monitoring, the proposed platform could provide a more detailed understanding of operational wear.

This information may enable maintenance teams to identify developing technical problems, investigate unusual performance trends and plan inspections based on actual vessel usage.

For fleet operators, the resulting data could improve maintenance planning, vessel availability, lifecycle cost management and future procurement decisions.

Designed for Government and Professional Operators

Data security, operational independence and information ownership are central considerations in the development.

The proposed architecture combines onboard edge computing with secure shore-based fleet management. Essential monitoring and technical information are intended to remain available even when the vessel has no internet connection.

The platform is also being designed to support private AI deployments, controlled data access and integration with existing maintenance and fleet-management systems.

This approach is particularly relevant for government agencies and professional operators that require control over sensitive operational information.

Combining Maritime Engineering and Artificial Intelligence

The collaboration brings together two complementary areas of expertise.

TP Marine contributes its experience in professional RHIB design, construction and maritime operational requirements.

UNIT2.AI contributes expertise in private AI systems, intelligent operational workflows, technical knowledge management and AI integration.

Together, the companies aim to bridge the gap between conventional marine electronics and a new generation of vessel-specific intelligence.

The long-term ambition extends beyond individual RHIBs. The underlying technology is intended to be adaptable to other professional vessel categories, potentially enabling connected fleet intelligence across patrol boats, rescue craft, workboats and other maritime platforms.

The Next Step in Professional Vessel Development

The development programme will follow a phased approach, beginning with digital vessel passports, technical documentation management and connected vessel monitoring.

Subsequent phases are planned to introduce conversational AI assistance, mission-readiness assessments, advanced maintenance analytics and fleet-wide intelligence.

The companies see this as an opportunity to establish a new standard for digital lifecycle management in professional small craft.

“The next generation of professional RHIBs will not simply carry more electronics. They will understand their own technical condition, preserve their operational knowledge and provide crews with intelligent support when it matters. Our ambition is to make every vessel a continuously improving operational asset.”

About TP Marine

TP Marine is a Netherlands-based professional boatbuilder focused on rigid hull inflatable boats and specialist maritime applications. The company's expertise in vessel engineering and construction provides the physical platform for the development of intelligent, connected RHIB technology.
Website: www.tpmarine.nl

About UNIT2.AI

UNIT2.AI develops private, model-agnostic artificial intelligence solutions that connect organizational knowledge, operational information and intelligent workflows. Its technology focuses on bringing AI into practical professional environments while maintaining control over business-critical information and processes. The UNIT2 HELM concept extends these capabilities into the maritime sector through vessel-specific intelligence, digital lifecycle management and onboard AI assistance.
Website: www.unit2.ai

Media enquiries and collaboration opportunities

TP Marine — www.tpmarine.nl
UNIT2.AI — www.unit2.ai